You’re a 3D Printing professional. How can you keep up with new technology?

1 Follow online sources

One of the easiest ways to keep up with new technology is to follow online sources that provide reliable and timely information on 3D printing trends, innovations, and best practices. You can subscribe to newsletters, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and social media accounts that cover topics related to your niche, interests, and goals. For example, if you are interested in bioprinting, you can follow the Biofabrication journal, the 3D Printing Industry blog, and the 3D Heals podcast. You can also join online communities and forums where you can interact with other 3D printing professionals, ask questions, share tips, and get feedback.

2 Take online courses

Another way to keep up with new technology is to take online courses that can help you learn new skills, tools, and techniques in 3D printing. Online courses are convenient, flexible, and affordable, and they can offer you a variety of options to suit your needs and preferences. You can choose from self-paced, instructor-led, or blended courses that cover topics such as 3D modeling, 3D scanning, 3D printing materials, 3D printing software, 3D printing applications, and 3D printing troubleshooting. You can also earn certificates or badges that can demonstrate your proficiency and credibility in 3D printing.

3 Attend events and workshops

A third way to keep up with new technology is to attend events and workshops that can offer you a chance to network, learn, and showcase your 3D printing projects. Events and workshops can be online or offline, local or global, and they can range from conferences, exhibitions, fairs, competitions, hackathons, and meetups. You can find events and workshops that match your interests and goals by browsing online platforms such as Eventbrite, Meetup, or 3D Printing Events. You can also organize your own events and workshops to share your knowledge and experience with others.

4 Experiment with new tools and materials

A fourth way to keep up with new technology is to experiment with new tools and materials that can enhance your 3D printing capabilities and creativity. You can explore new 3D printing software, hardware, and accessories that can help you create more complex, realistic, and functional 3D models and objects. You can also try new 3D printing materials, such as metals, ceramics, composites, or biopolymers, that can offer you different properties, effects, and applications. You can find new tools and materials by browsing online catalogs, reviews, or tutorials, or by asking for recommendations from other 3D printing professionals.

5 Review your portfolio and goals

A fifth way to keep up with new technology is to review your portfolio and goals regularly and see how you can improve them with the latest 3D printing technology. You can update your portfolio with your most recent and impressive 3D printing projects, and showcase them on your website, social media, or online platforms such as Thingiverse, Sketchfab, or Shapeways. You can also review your goals and see how you can achieve them with the help of new 3D printing technology. You can set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, and track your progress and results.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?